Is the 720p HD video capture zoomable? So I've been researching point and shoot cameras for the last few months and I'm really excited that most of the new releases have this HD video capture capability so I can stop lugging around my outdated Hi8 video camera. I'm only holding out because I've heard that some of these cameras don't allow the user to use the optical zoom while in video capture mode. Most of the camera specs I've reviewed don't mention this feature so I've been relying on user reviews to clear that up. Since this is a newly released camera with limited reviews thus far, I haven't seen anything mentioned about this yet. So, can someone who owns this camera please tell me if you can utilize the 5x optical zoom while shooting HD video? Thank you! Is the 720p HD video capture zoomable? So I've been researching point and shoot cameras for the last few months and I'm really excited that most of the new releases have this HD video... » Read More Is the 720p HD video capture zoomable? So I've been researching point and shoot cameras for the last few months and I'm really excited that most of the new releases have this HD video capture capability so I can stop lugging around my outdated Hi8 video camera. I'm only holding out because I've heard that some of these cameras don't allow the user to use the optical zoom while in video capture mode. Most of the camera specs I've reviewed don't mention this feature so I've been relying on user reviews to clear that up. Since this is a newly released camera with limited reviews thus far, I haven't seen anything mentioned about this yet. So, can someone who owns this camera please tell me if you can utilize the 5x optical zoom while shooting HD video? Thank you! « Show Less
41037
Thanks for the info Corey! I agree that zooming during recording can get a bit nauseating if done too much/too fast but it is a nice feature to have in certain instances. At least the zoom works before/after like it does on my old 3.2MP Cyber-shot. Thanks for clearing that up.
41038
nope, no zoom while shooting video on the w290. It seems like a simple enough feature that it should be more common, but i guess manufacturers aren't really worried about it since zooming during a video shot tends to make the viewers' eyes hurt, so most people don't do it. Plus, the act of pushing the zoom buttons with your fingers on a camera this small would cause it to move around quite a bit while you're zooming, further adding to your viewers' headaches.
41039
You can, however, zoom in and out BEFORE you begin recording.... you just can't do it WHILE you're recording. So if you want to record something zoomed in 5x, just be sure you zoom in before you begin recording.
41040
Most video will not be improved by zooming, or for that matter, panning or tilting. Generally, it's better to let action occur within the frame or follow if it is moving across your field of vision. Another thing to watch out for is trying to handhold the camera, particularly if you are using a longer focal length (you are "zoomed in"). This camera has so little mass that it's weight cannot be used to mask camera shake and the image stabilization is not that sophisticated. Solve these problems by using a tripod or other form of support, for example, and you will be rewarded with some surprisingly good video. Most video will not be improved by zooming, or for that matter, panning or tilting. Generally, it's better to let action occur within the frame or follow if it is moving across your field of vision. Another thing to watch out for is trying to handhold the camera, particularly if you are using a longer focal length (you are "zoomed in"). This camera has so little mass that it's weight cannot be used to mask camera shake and the image stabilization is not that sophisticated. Solve these problems by using a tripod or other form of support, for example, and you will be rewarded with... » Read More Most video will not be improved by zooming, or for that matter, panning or tilting. Generally, it's better to let action occur within the frame or follow if it is moving across your field of vision. Another thing to watch out for is trying to handhold the camera, particularly if you are using a longer focal length (you are "zoomed in"). This camera has so little mass that it's weight cannot be used to mask camera shake and the image stabilization is not that sophisticated. Solve these problems by using a tripod or other form of support, for example, and you will be rewarded with some surprisingly good video. « Show Less
41041
Note that many of the small cameras in this class that DO allow zoom during video produce noise while zooming that many users have described as anywhere from annoying to unacceptable. I am torn on the issue personally. I can see both sides.
906355
Yes, you can zoom in while recording, but you do hear the zoom sound on the recorded video. I'm sure there's a way to remove that sound if you are an editing expert, which I'm not. So it's more annoying than anything really. Overall, I am still happy with the camera.
1312579
I know this is someone elses post but I am debating the same thing. I myself am looking for a high quality resolution with the crispest photos out there. I really dont care about any gps feature but whether its indoors or out I want crispness. Mostly I use it for taking photos of my toddler. Any suggestions or help?
1032355
I looked at the camera menu, and it appears it is capable of shooting NTSC (US) and PAL (Canada & Europe) video. I've never tried video, so I have no idea about the results. The instructions I got were not in English, so I downloaded and printed my manual, since I haven't 'Video'd' I have no clue how to set it up. If my memory serves me, the lenses are the the same as the older Canon EOS digitals, and even earlier Canon 35mm film cameras. The lenses we have for 'my' camera are from our first Canon 35mm film camera, and work as good as they did with it. We have 3 lenses, one is for wide angle scenes, one for 'mid range' pix and the third is relatively long lens that we use for 'almost telephoto' pictures. That's the draw-backs, for differences in distance, the lens must be changed for detail. One of my friends had an adapter for the his telescope eye-piece that would adapt the camera to his 1500 mm telescope tube. Now that was a telephoto lens. Do what you will, I like my 20D just fine. It has a masculine feel to it, it fits well in work worn hands. The function buttons must be touched on purpose to change the function of what you want to do. I bought a new Canon for my wife. It was what she wanted, and in her internet research, it was what she wanted. It is all, and more than she wanted. I love the way the camera takes pictures, but the function buttons are so sensitive that I find I change functions when that isn't my intention. However it takes AWESOME Pictures. The 20D is an amazing camera, and cost about a sixth of the price. Buy the lens if you will, shoot your videos, but remember, let me know how they turn out.
107354
I was looking at buying either the Sony HX10, or the HX20 and saw your question. Although there really aren't any reviews on the Sony HX cameras yet (1 review doesn't count), the Cannon SX 260 has several, and a consistent theme is noise when recording video... to me this is a deal breaker, also the Sony HX 10 is 18mp & 1080 HD vs the 12mp & 720 HD on the Cannon. I'm leaning toward buying the Sony HX10, but are waiting for at least 10 reviews.
2129263
Yes, you can record video in full 1080i HD as well as take 3D and panoramic pictures. The length of video depends on the size of the memory card you choose to purchase for it (not included). I have a small 2GB card and can hold about 311 photos at 18.1 mega pixels or 27 mins of HD video. You will want to get a bigger memory card. The camera has a SMALL amount of internal storage, only about 7 photos. Hope this helps.
1166603
Yes you can zoom in, even when taking video and the image still looks great. Have fun on your trip!
974224
I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should decide. If nothing substantial is announced, the price for this will have dropped greatly. I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should... » Read More I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should decide. If nothing substantial is announced, the price for this will have dropped greatly. « Show Less
1420407
It does have some kind of limited video capture.... no way it's any form of Hi-Def. Probabaly VGA? You have to remember this camera is from 2004.... A used Mini DV Tape camcorder would probably be better for video work. Or the Nikon D90 which does 720p.
839570
Thank you Michael for your very helpful detailed response. Good to know in what settings to use which recording mode. I plan to keep it mainly on 1080p as you, unless filming an event with quick moving images such as a sports match in which case I'll switch to 720p @ 60fpm. Thanks again for your input :)
1528934
Sorry for the delay as i was out of town. I just tried it out and yes you can zoom in recording mode.
1770761
Thanks again david.I remember reading some of the flash based camcorders record on .MOD files, which are somewhat hard to work with.This will be my first camcorder purchase in a long while (my last was a sony digital-8...), so your advice is well needed and appreciated.
972729
From a preview I read on another site (camcorderinfo.com) the highest quality output is true 1920x1080 progressive. Anything captured in a lower quality setting is the 1440x1080 resolution which was troublesome for some editing suites. I am waiting for some more professional reviews to be published comparing this one (and it's 120GB sibling) against the Canon HF10 which is getting good reviews. The Canon features a maximum 17Mb/s bitrate vs. the HDR-SR11/12's 16Mb/s maximum bitrate. The Canon is also flash memory vs. HDD but I don't have a strong preference either way.
1180110
L. Davis - Are you sure VP8 solves the 2gb per clip issue that most people are having with this camera? That would be great and it would only stand to reason that the other software companies utilize the fix. Let me know.
1298910
I can record either VGA or 720p HD video. Here's a video I made with this camera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbsCG552NAo I did not process this video at all before I uploaded it to youtube. I simply pulled it out of the camera with Picasa and uploaded it directly to Youtube. Because it is HD video the processing took much longer, but it was well worth it.
1437595
http://www.youtube.com/user/artfacestudios/videos?view=0 these videos were pretty much all made with the hvr a1u. From the youtube clips ive seen using the dcrvx2100, i can tell you they seem similar, but maybe the dcrvx2100 is a little on top... Low light on the a1u is grainy, not as bad as some videos ive seen, but definitely noticeable! I also want to find a good low light video camera... Also a little off topic but...i will take the a1u footage over gopro hero2 footage any day. My friend shoots with a Canon D5 or something like that. He really has a lot of control with the camera and his footage is very similar to the a1u. Maybe even better! http://www.youtube.com/user/artfacestudios/videos?view=0 these videos were pretty much all made with the hvr a1u. From the youtube clips ive seen using the dcrvx2100, i can tell you they seem similar, but maybe the dcrvx2100 is a little on top... Low light on the a1u is grainy, not as bad as some videos ive seen, but definitely noticeable! I also want to find a good low light video camera... Also a little off topic but...i will take the a1u footage over gopro hero2 footage any day. My friend shoots with a Canon D5 or something like that. He really has a lot of control with the... » Read More http://www.youtube.com/user/artfacestudios/videos?view=0 these videos were pretty much all made with the hvr a1u. From the youtube clips ive seen using the dcrvx2100, i can tell you they seem similar, but maybe the dcrvx2100 is a little on top... Low light on the a1u is grainy, not as bad as some videos ive seen, but definitely noticeable! I also want to find a good low light video camera... Also a little off topic but...i will take the a1u footage over gopro hero2 footage any day. My friend shoots with a Canon D5 or something like that. He really has a lot of control with the camera and his footage is very similar to the a1u. Maybe even better! « Show Less
48517
Yes you can use the 4x optical zoom while shooting video. I just verified this with my camera in hand.